How healthy are food addictives?

Food addictives, especially those that help preserve and flavour food (e.g. salt, vinegar, and alcohol), have been used for thousands of years. However, until the 20th century, food production and safety were not regulated, and harmful substances were sometimes added to foods.   Many people continue to wonder about the long-term safety of some food […]

Food addictives, especially those that help preserve and flavour food (e.g. salt, vinegar, and alcohol), have been used for thousands of years. However, until the 20th century, food production and safety were not regulated, and harmful substances were sometimes added to foods.  

Many people continue to wonder about the long-term safety of some food addictives. “Food addictives that may be of concern to some include aspartame, sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, and artificial colours”, says Mrs Doris A. Musa, Nutritionist/Dietitian, Wuse General Hospital.  For example, one study indicated that rats exposed throughout their life spans to the artificial sweetener aspartame had higher risk of cancer. Some consumers’ reports dizziness and headaches after consuming it, but scientific studies does not support that it causes these effects.

“Sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite, added to cured meats limits nitrosamine in the stomach. Some artificial colours have been reported to cause allergic- type reactions in children, others have been linked to cancer in animals.” Mrs Musa added.  If credible future research confirms these effects, the amount permitted in food might be reduced or banned altogether.

A few food addictives cause adverse symptoms in sensitive individuals. Sulfites, a group of surfer-based chemicals, are used as antioxidants and preservatives in foods. About 1 in 100 persons, particularly those with asthma, experiences shortness of breath or gastro intestinal symptoms after ingesting sulphites. Because of this, the use of sulfites is prohibited on salad bars and other raw materials and other raw vegetables.

A flavour enhancer also can cause problems; some individuals report flushing, chest pain, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, headache, and nausea after consuming monosodium glutamate.

According to Dr  I.T Nuhu of Department of Medicine Wuse General Hospital “some of these addictives are very dangerous to the body. For instance, bromate in bread. This is because it could cause renal problems and some encourage the formation of cancer in the body. Some can cause some individuals to have diarrhoea and even cause vomiting amongst different people.  Patients that are diabetic are not supposed to take sweeteners as this could have an adverse effect on them. Some also long term effects on individuals.”Dr Nuhu emphasiased.

Additives you must avoid

1. Sodium Nitrate (also called Sodium Nitrite): This is a preservative, coloring, and flavouring commonly added to, ham, hot dogs, luncheon meats, smoked fish, and corned beef. Studies have linked eating it to various types of cancer.

2. BHA and BHT: Butylated hydroxy anisole and butylated hydro zyttoluene are used to preserve common household foods. They are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. They are oxidants, which form potentially cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.

3. Propyl Gallate: Another preservative, often used in conjunction with BHA and BHT. It is sometimes found in meat products, chicken soup base, and chewing gum. Animals studies have suggested that it could be linked to cancer.

4. Mono sodium glutamate: MSG is an amino acid used as a flavour enhancer in soups, salad dressings, chips, frozen food, and restaurant food. It can cause headaches and nausea, and animal studies link it to damaged nerve cells in the brains of infant mice.

5. Trans Fats: Trans fats are proven to cause heart disease. Restaurant food, especially fast food chains, often serves foods laden with trans fats.

6. Aspartame: Aspartame, also known by the brand names NutraSweet and Equal, is a sweetener found in so-called diet foods such as low-calorie desserts, gelatins, drink mixes, and soft drinks. It may cause cancer or neurological problems, such as dizziness or hallucinations.

7. Acesul fame-K: This is a relatively new artificial sweetener found in baked goods, chewing gum, and gelatin desserts. There is a general concern that testing on this product has been scant, and some studies show the additive may cause cancer in rats.

8. Food Colorings: Blue 1, 2; Red 3; Green 3; Yellow 6: Five food colourings still on the market are linked with cancer in animal testing. Blue 1 and 2, found in beverages, candy, baked goods and pet food, have been linked to cancer in mice. Red 3, used to dye cherries, fruit cocktail, candy, and baked goods, has been shown to cause thyroid tumours in rats. Green 3, added to candy and beverages, has been linked to bladder cancer. The widely used yellow 6, added to beverages, sausage, gelatine, baked goods, and candy, has been linked to tumours of the adrenal gland and kidney.

9. Olestra: Olestra: A synthetic fat found in some potato chip brands, can cause severe diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and gas. Olestra also inhibits healthy vitamin absorption from fat-soluble carotenoids that are found in fruits and vegetables.

10. Potassium Bromate: Potassium bromate is used as an additive to increase volume in some white flour, breads, and rolls. It is known to cause cancer in animals, and even small amounts in bread can create a risk for humans.

11. White Sugar: Watch out for foods with added sugars, such as baked goods, cereals, crackers, sauces and many other processed foods.

12. Sodium Chloride: A dash of sodium chloride, more commonly known as salt, can bring flavour to your meal. But too much salt can be dangerous for your health, leading to high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

Some safe food additives:

Maltodextrin: This is a thickening agent and sweetener made from starch. It’s used in canned fruit, salad dressings, and instant puddings.

Sodium Carboxymethyl-Cellulose: Another thickener that also keeps sugar from crystallizing. You can find it in ice cream, beer, pie fillings, icings, diet foods, and candy.

Thiamin Mononitrate: A form of vitamin B-1 used to fortify cereals and flour.

Sucralose: Better known as Splenda. Used in some baked goods, frozen desserts, and diet soft drinks. CSPI says unfortunately, it’s often used with acesulfame.

• Colors: E101, E160 that contains vitamin B2 carotene and Vitamin A.

What can you do to protect yourself?

Many food producers are making foods with fewer addictives to meet consumer preferences for natural foods. Reading ingredients lists will help you identify foods with fewer addictives. Also, keep in mind that the more processed a food is, the more addictives it is likely to contain. Many pre-packaged, precooked, frozen, canned, and instant foods, mixes, and snacks food contain addictives. To lower your intake of addictives, read food labels and eat fewer highly processed foods. Although no evidence shows that limiting addictives will make you healthier, replacing highly processed foods with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, meats, and dairy products is a healthy practice.